" It is not very often that we have the opportunity to evaluate
maps of ancient origin. The Piri Reis ( AD 1513 ) and the
Oronteus Fineaus [sic] ( AD 1531 ) maps sent to us by
you, presented a delightful challenge for it was not
readily conceivable that they could be so accurate without
being forged. With added enthusiasm we accepted this
challenge and have expended many off duty hours evaluating
your manuscript and the above maps. I am sure you will
be pleased to know that we have concluded that both of
these maps were compiled from accurate original source
maps, irrespective of dates. The following is a brief summary
of our findings:
A. The solution of the portolano projection used by Admiral
Piri Reis, developed by your class in Anthropology must be very
nearly correct; for when known geographical locations are checked in
relationship to the grid computed by Mr. Richard W. Strachan ( MIT ),
there, is remarkably close agreement. Piri Reis' use of the Portolano
projection ( centred on Syene, Egypt ) is an excellent choice, for it is
a developable surface that would permit the relative size and shape of
the earth at that ( lattitude ) to be retained. It is our opinion that
those who compiled the original map had an excellent knowledge of the
continents covered by this map.
B. As stated by Colonel Harold Z. Ohlmeyer in his letter ( July 6, 1960 )
to you, the Princess Martha Coast of Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, appears
to be truly represented on the southern sector of the Piri Reis Map. The
agreement of the Piri Reis map with the seismic profile of this area made
by the Norwegian-British -Swedish Expedition of 1949, suported by your
solution of the grid, places beyond a reasonable doubt the conclusion that
the original source maps must have been made before the present Antarctic
ice cap covered Queen Maud Land coasts.
C. It is our opinion that the accuracy of the cartographic features shown
in the Oronteus Fineaus [sic] Map ( AD 1530 ) suggests, beyond a doubt, that
it also was compiled from accurate source maps of Antarctica, but in this
case of the entire continent. Close examination has proved the original
source maps must have been compiled at a time when the land mass and
inland waterways of the continent were relatively free of ice. This
conclusion is further supported by a comparison of the Oronteus Finneaus
[sic] Map with the results obtained by International Geophysical Year
teams in their measurements of the subglacial topography. The comparison
also suggests that the original source maps ( compiled in remote antiquity )
were prepared when Antarctica was presumably free of ice. The Cordiform
projection used by Oronteus Fineaus [sic] suggests the use of advanced
mathematics. Further, the shape given to the Antarctic continent suggests
the possibility, if not the probability, that the original source maps were
compiled on a stereographic or gnomonic type of projection ( involving
the use of spherical trigonometry ).
D. We are convinced that the findings made by you and your associates
are valid, and that they raise extremely important questions affecting
geology and ancient history, questions which certainly require further
investigation.
We thank you for extending us the opportunity to have participated in
the study of these maps. The following officers and airmen vollunteered
their time to assist Captain Lorenzo W.Burroughs in this evaluation:
Captain Richard E. Covault, CWO Howard D.Minor, MSgt Clifton M.Dover,
MSgt DAvid C.Carter, TSgt James H.Hood, SSgt James L.Carroll, and AIC
Don R.Vance."
Lorenzo W.Burroughs
Captain, USAF
Chief, Cartographic Section
8th Reconnaissance Technical Sqdn ( SAC )
Westover, Mass.